Professional Documents
Culture Documents
THE CALL
TO
EVANGELISM
Spreading the
Good News to
Everyone
Jack W. Hayford
with
Gary Curtis
and
Robert W. Anderson, Ray Beeson, Gary Howse,
Bob Marshall, Phil Starr
THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHERS
Nashville • Atlanta • London • Vancouver
DEDICATION
This, the third series of
Spirit-Filled Life Bible Study Guides,
is dedicated to the
memory of
Dr. Roy H. Hicks, Jr.
(1944–1994)
one of God’s “men for all seasons,”
faithful in the Word, mighty in the Spirit,
leading multitudes into the love of God
and the worship of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Unto Christ’s glory and in Roy’s memory,
we will continue to sing:
Praise the Name of Jesus,
Praise the Name of Jesus,
He’s my Rock, He’s my Fortress,
He’s my Deliverer, in Him will I trust.
Praise the Name of Jesus.
Words by Roy Hicks, Jr., Copyright © 1976 Latter Rain Music. All rights administered by
The Sparrow Corp. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Answering the Call to Evangelism: Spreading the Good News to Everyone
Copyright © 1995 by Jack W. Hayford
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
All rights reserved. Written permission must be secured from the publisher to use or
reproduce any part of this book except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version of
the Bible, © 1979, 1980, 1982,
Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers
CONTENTS
About the Executive Editor/About the Writers
The Keys That Keep on Freeing
Lesson 1: The Call to Evangelize
Lesson 2: Responsibility to our Generation
Lesson 3: How to Reach a Person for Jesus
Lesson 4: How to Lead a Person to Jesus
Lesson 5: Where Are All the Evangelists?
Lesson 6: Under the King’s Call
Lesson 7: Compelled by Compassion
Lesson 8: Evangelism According to John
Lesson 9: Evangelism without Fear
Lesson 10: Taking the Gospel Everywhere
Lesson 11: Supernaturally Equipped
Lesson 12: Evangelizing in the End Times
Answering the Call to Evangelism: Spreading the Good News to Everyone is one of a
series of study guides that focus exciting, discovery-geared coverage of Bible book and
power themes—all prompting toward dynamic, Holy Spirit-filled living.
About the Executive Editor
JACK W. HAYFORD, noted pastor, teacher, writer, and composer, is the Executive
Editor of the complete series, working with the publisher in the conceiving and
developing of each of the books.
Dr. Hayford is Senior Pastor of The Church On The Way, the First Foursquare Church
of Van Nuys, California. He and his wife, Anna, have four married children, all of whom
are active in either pastoral ministry or vital church life. As General Editor of the Spirit-
Filled Life Bible, Pastor Hayford led a four-year project, which has resulted in the
availability of one of today’s most practical and popular study Bibles. He is author of
more than twenty books, including A Passion for Fullness, The Beauty of Spiritual
Language, Rebuilding the Real You, and Prayer Is Invading the Impossible. His musical
compositions number over four hundred songs, including the widely sung “Majesty.”
About the Author
GARY CURTIS, the writer of two other Spirit-Filled Life Bible Study Guides, is an
Associate Pastor at The Church on the Way, where he directs the media outreach known
as Living Way Ministries.
ROBERT W. ANDERSON, an Assistant Pastor at The Church on the Way, is an
author of several children’s books and an accomplished writer, director, and award-
winning producer and visual designer of films.
RAY BEESON has authored several books and been engaged in full-time ministry
since 1975, especially as a teacher edifying the body of Christ through the subjects of
prayer and spiritual warfare.
GARY HOWSE, an Assistant Minister at The Church on the Way, has serves as a
pastor for over twenty years and is now working toward the M.A. in Pastoral Theology.
BOB MARSHALL, on the staff of The Church on The Way, entered full-time
ministry after leading lay ministries for over thirty years, before he retired from a career
in the communications industry.
PHIL STARR, the Director of World Ministries and Outreach at The Church on the
Way, is an experienced equipper of believers for evangelism, having served as youth
minister an missionary.
THE KEYS
THAT KEEP ON FREEING
Is there anything that holds more mystery or more genuine practicality than a key?
The mystery: “What does it fit? What can it turn on? What might it open? What new
discovery could be made?” The practicality: Something will most certainly open to the
possessor! Something will absolutely be found to unlock and allow a possibility
otherwise obstructed!
• Keys describe the instruments we use to access or ignite.
• Keys describe the concepts that unleash mind-boggling possibilities.
• Keys describe the different structures of musical notes which allow variation and range.
Jesus spoke of keys: “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and
whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth
will be loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:19).
While there is no conclusive list of exactly what keys Jesus was referring to, it is clear
that He did confer upon His church—upon all who believe—the access to a realm of
spiritual partnership with Him in the dominion of His kingdom. Faithful students of the
Word of God, moving in the practical grace and biblical wisdom of Holy Spirit-filled
living and ministry, have noted some of the primary themes which undergird this order of
“spiritual partnership” Christ offers. The “keys” are concepts—biblical themes that are
traceable through the Scriptures and verifiably dynamic when applied with soundly based
faith under the lordship of Jesus Christ. The “partnership” is the essential feature of this
release of divine grace; (1) believers reaching to receive Christ’s promise of “kingdom
keys,” (2) while choosing to believe in the Holy Spirit’s readiness to actuate their
unleashing, unlimited power today.
Companioned with the Bible book studies in the Spirit-Filled Life Study Guide series,
the Kingdom Dynamic studies present a dozen different themes. This study series is an
outgrowth of the Kingdom Dynamics themes included throughout the Spirit-Filled Life
Bible, which provide a treasury of insight developed by some of today’s most respected
Christian leaders. From that beginning, studious writers have evolved the elaborated
studies you’ll pursue here.
The central goal of the subjects focused on in this present series of study guides is to
relate “power points” of the Holy Spirit-filled life. Assisting you in your discoveries are a
number of helpful features. Each study guide has twelve to fourteen lessons, each
arranged so you can plumb the depths or skim the surface, depending upon your needs
and interests. The study guides contain major lesson features, each marked by a symbol
and heading for easy identification.
WORD WEALTH
The WORD WEALTH feature provides important definitions of key terms.
BEHIND THE SCENES
BEHIND THE SCENES supplies information about cultural beliefs and practices, doctrinal
disputes, business trades, and the like that illuminate Bible passages and teachings.
AT A GLANCE
The AT A GLANCE feature uses maps and charts to identify places and simplify themes or
positions.
KINGDOM EXTRA
Because this study guide focuses on a theme of the Bible, you will find a KINGDOM EXTRA
feature that guides you into Bible dictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, and other resources
that will enable you to glean more from the Bible’s wealth on the topic if you want
something extra.
PROBING THE DEPTHS
Another feature, PROBING THE DEPTHS, will explain controversial issues raised by particular
lessons and cite Bible passages and other sources to which you can turn to help you come
to your own conclusions.
FAITH ALIVE
Finally, each lesson contains a FAITH ALIVE feature. Here the focus is, So what? Given
what the Bible says, what does it mean for my life? How can it impact my day-to-day
needs, hurts, relationships, concerns, and whatever else is important to me? FAITH ALIVE
will help you see and apply the practical relevance of God’s literary gift.
As you’ll see, these guides supply space for you to answer the study and life-
application questions and exercises. You may, however, want to record all your answers,
or just the overflow from your study or application, in a separate notebook or journal.
This would be especially helpful if you think you’ll dig into the KINGDOM EXTRA features.
Because the exercises in this feature are optional and can be expanded as far as you want
to take them, we have not allowed writing space for them in this study guide. So you may
want to have a notebook or journal handy for recording your discoveries while working
through to this feature’s riches.
The Bible study method used in this series revolves around four basic steps:
observation, interpretation, correlation, and application. Observation answers the
question, What does the text say? Interpretation deals with, What does the text mean?—
not with what it means to you or me, but what it meant to its original readers. Correlation
asks, What light do other Scripture passages shed on this text? And application, the goal
of Bible study, poses the question, How should my life change in response to the Holy
Spirit’s teaching of this text?
If you have used a Bible much before, you know that it comes in a variety of
translations and paraphrases. Although you can use any of them with profit as you work
through the Spirit-Filled Life Kingdom Dynamics Study Guide series, when Bible
passages or words are cited, you will find they are from the New King James Version of
the Bible. Using this translation with this series will make your study easier, but it’s
certainly not necessary.
The only resources you need to complete and apply these study guides are a heart and
mind open to the Holy Spirit, a prayerful attitude, and a pencil and a Bible. Of course,
you may draw upon other sources, such as commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias,
atlases, and concordances, and you’ll even find some optional exercises that will guide
you into these sources. But these are extras, not necessities. These study guides are
comprehensive enough to give you all you need to gain a good, basic understanding of
the Bible book being covered and how you can apply its themes and counsel to your life.
A word of warning, though. By itself, Bible study will not transform your life. It will
not give you power, peace, joy, comfort, hope, and a number of other gifts God longs for
you to unwrap and enjoy. Through Bible study, you will grow in your understanding of
the Lord, His kingdom and your place in it, and those things are essential. But you need
more. You need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide your study and your application of the
Bible’s truths. He, Jesus promised, was sent to teach us “all things” (John 14:26; cf. 1
Cor. 2:13). So as you use this series to guide you through Scripture, bathe your study time
in prayer, asking the Spirit of God to illuminate the text, enlighten your mind, humble
your will, and comfort your heart. He will never let you down.
My prayer and goal for you is that as you unlock and begin to explore God’s Book for
living His way, the Holy Spirit will fill every fiber of your being to the joy and power
God longs to give all His children. So read on. Be diligent. Stay open and submissive to
Him. You will not be disappointed. He promises you!
The Davidic Covenant came about after the people had rejected the theocracy God
had intended for Israel. The people had first chosen Saul, and then later accepted David,
whom God had chosen (1 Sam. 16:1). God’s covenant with David (2 Sam. 7:8–16)
indicated a kingdom, or sphere of rule, which would last forever. (Notice, the promise
was not that the throne would be occupied forever, but that authority of the kingdom
would rule forever.)
Both Mary and Joseph were descendants of David, as detailed in the genealogies of
Jesus given in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Matthew traces the lineage from
Abraham to Jesus, while Luke looks back from Jesus to Adam.
AT A GLANCE
Genealogy of Jesus11
Israel was the key instrument the Father chose to use to bring about His master plan
to redeem fallen man. For out of Israel (the descendants of Adam, Abraham, and David)
would come the Messiah, the Savior-King.
How did the message to Mary by the angel Gabriel fulfill God’s promises in the
Davidic Covenant? (Luke 1:31–33)
How did Joseph’s angelic dream link Mary’s pregnancy with the “Seed of the woman
” of Genesis 3:15?
How do each of the following Scriptures reveal the gospel’s global purpose?
Genesis 18:18
19:5, 6
22:18
26:4
Ps. 72:17–19
Matt. 1:1
Acts 3:25
Gal. 3:8–9
THE FINAL COMMAND
Speaking to His disciples after His resurrection, Jesus Christ issued His final
command: “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and
to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This final call to evangelize was an affirmation of the
Great Commission He had given them earlier. To accomplish this task would take the
involvement of all the redeemed throughout all of the church age.
PROBING THE DEPTHS
The following five scriptures contain the most succinct references to world evangelization.
As you study each passage, note 1) what they have in common, 2) what each scripture adds
exclusively to the task’s definition and character, and 3) upon what authority Jesus based His
command.
Matt. 28:18–20
Mark 16:15–16 (15–20)
Luke 24:46–48 (44–49)
John 20:21–23
Acts 1:8 (4–8)
Two thousand years of worldwide evangelism have passed since Christ commissioned
His followers to go and proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom. Today, one third of the
earth’s population declare themselves to be Christians. Whole countries—and even
continents—are being loosed from pagan domination. The “Gospel of the Kingdom” is
being proclaimed by every means known in every part of the world.
KINGDOM EXTRA
Psalm 2 is a great messianic psalm which discloses the heart of God toward His own Son. “
Ask of Me … I will give You the nations for Your inheritance.” This conversation introduces an
amazing declaration, that all the nations of the world are intended to come under the aegis of His
Son’s rule. However, the qualifier is, “Ask.” In John 17, through His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus
does exactly this (John 17:1–26). However, His request involves our response. We must unite (
John 17:21) and we must receive the authority “manifest” in God’s name and glory, which Jesus,
as the Interceding Messiah of Psalm 2, has conferred upon us—His church. In this name we pray,
and by this glory we triumph—receiving the inheritance of nations as God has promised.12
In Revelation 7:9–17 we are introduced to “a great multitude which no one could
number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues.” Many scholars feel these are “all the
redeemed out of all people groups throughout all of history.”13 The supreme task of the
church has progressed slowly, but now there is a forceful surge of determination that this
task could be accomplished in this generation!
Paul proclaimed in Romans 16:20 the ultimate triumph of Christ and His church over
all evil: “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.” As we step out
in faith to evangelize the lost, whether around the corner or around the world, we are
partnering in Satan’s ultimate defeat. And, as “the seed of Abraham” (Gal. 3:29), we can
take delight in extending God’s blessings to the world!
Let’s look at some of the steps involved in the salvation process. Look up the
scriptures and fill in the blanks.
(John 1:12) As many as ____________ Him, to them He gave the right to become
children of God.
WORD WEALTH
Redeemed, ga˒al (gah-ahl); Strong’s #1350. Ransom, redeem, repurchase; to set free by
avenging or repaying. Ga˒al refers to the custom of buying back something a person has lost
through helplessness, poverty, or violence. Furthermore, the one who does the redeeming is often
a close relative who is in a stronger position and buys back the lost property on behalf of his
weaker relative. Psalm 72 is universally understood as speaking of the Messiah; v. 14 states “He
will redeem [ga˒al] the life of the needy from oppression and violence.” In Isaiah 52:9, God
redeems Jerusalem, buying it back from its oppressors on behalf of His people. The biblical view
of redemption is extremely wide, for God has pledged to redeem the whole creation, which
currently groans in bondage (Rom. 8:20–23).1
In Titus 2:14, from what does Paul teach we are redeemed?
Who or what holds us in captivity? (Rom. 7:23)
What is the “currency” God uses to pay for our release from captivity? (Rev. 5:9)
(Acts 3:19) ____________ therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted
out.
WORD WEALTH
Ransom, lutron (loo-trahn); Strong’s #3083. From the verb luo, “to loose.” The word
signifies a release from slavery or captivity brought about by the payment of a price. Sin demands
an expiation, an atonement, a price paid because of the penalty of death that was upon us. Jesus’
gift to us was Himself, a universal ransom (for many) that was of a vicarious nature. Lutron
defines the price paid canceling our debt.2
A ransom is the amount that must be given in order to buy someone’s freedom. Sin
has brought mankind into bondage to self and Satan. The price that must be paid is that of
the blood of an innocent person who, personally, owes no debt. The seriousness of our
crime against God requires this great price. But because of the greatness and grace of our
God, He pays the price Himself in the Person of Jesus.
Matthew 26:28 tells us that the blood of Jesus was poured out for the forgiveness
of___________.
John 1:7 says that the blood of Jesus purifies us from every __________.
1Hayford, J. W. 1997, c1995. Answering the Call to Evangelism : Spreading the Good
News to Everyone. Spirit-Filled Life Kingdom Dynamics Study Guides (Pages 10-55).
Thomas Nelson: Nashville
Because of the blood of Jesus, we come into right standing with God as if there had
never been a problem. “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we
shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Rom. 5:9).
WORD WEALTH
Justified, dikaioo (dik-ah-yah-oh); Strong’s #1344. A legal term signifying to acquit, declare
righteous, show to be righteous.3 The idea is that we are so completely free in our restoration to
God, it is as if we never sinned. The blood of Jesus has rendered us this free.
In what does Paul say we are justified? (1 Cor. 6:11)
By what is a person not justified? (Gal. 2:16)
(Rom. 10:9–10) That if you ___________ with your mouth the Lord Jesus and
____________ in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Once we have received Christ, our desire should be that others come to know Him
also. Of course, we cannot “save” a person ourselves. We cannot determine the moment
someone else will truly come to know the Lord. This is the point Jesus is making when
He says, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell
where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John
3:8). Our responsibility is simply to tell the good news. In doing so, however, be careful
of two things:
1. Don’t try to second-guess what the person’s response should be because you will
probably be disappointed. Just come to the conversation and minister the truth and life of
Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit take it from there.
List some assumptions you may have brought to a conversation with a possible “
convert” and why these may have led to disappointment; for example, the church they “
need” to start attending.
2. Try not to show disappointment if a person doesn’t become a Christian right away.
List any unrealistic expectations you may have concerning a person’s response to
praying to receive Jesus.
There is perhaps no greater joy than seeing someone truly come to know Jesus.
Consider carefully the following statement in light of winning the lost:
Living, vital, Holy Spirit-filled Christianity reaches people and often leads them to
Christ.
In your own words define the following:
“Living” Christianity
“Vital” Christianity
“Holy Spirit-filled” Christianity
DON’T OVERLOOK THESE
• Recognize that the new birth process is multi-staged. When we encounter people who
are opening their hearts to Jesus Christ, we don’t know where they are on the spectrum of
God’s dealings with them. But the Holy Spirit knows. Therefore it becomes necessary to
rely on the Holy Spirit as we minister.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to minister to them. We need to minister with trust in God the
Holy Spirit and listen to Him. In John 16 the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit convicts
people of sin. The Holy Spirit shows Jesus to them so clearly that they will know that
only He can save them. The Holy Spirit also reveals that the power of sin has been
broken, and that the serpent has been smashed and that the power of death and hell have
been overcome. That’s what Jesus meant when He said that when the Holy Spirit would
come, He will convince the world of sin and righteousness and judgment.
• Know the Word and believe in its power as we minister. In John 6:63 Jesus says that the
flesh profits nothing. We can bring all kinds of experience and wisdom to speaking with
people, but what we bring naturally out of ourselves will lead no one to Christ. In
contrast, the words that Jesus speaks are Spirit and life.
Know what the Bible says and trust the Holy Spirit to make it alive, and life, to
people. Even if we see no response on a person’s face, the Holy Spirit will take the Word
as we speak it and accomplish His purposes.
THE SIMPLICITY OF THE PROCESS
1. Focus on Jesus Himself as God’s Son and resurrected Savior.
Frequently you will find many questions and concerns that tend to draw attention
away from a person’s need to accept Jesus. Keep focused on the issue of new birth. Write
out the five scriptures below. You may want to copy the references into the front of your
Bible for future use.
When a person says:
a) I’m not sure that Jesus is the only way to be saved.
Respond by quoting Acts 4:12:
b) I’m a good person, I don’t hurt other people.
Respond by quoting Rom. 3:23:
c) I’m not worried about what happens after I die.
Respond by quoting Rom. 6:23:
d) There are too many hypocrites in the church.
Respond by quoting John 21:22:
e) How do I know that God will accept me?
Respond by quoting John 1:12 and John 6:37:
Make a list of other potential questions and excuses people use to avoid the issue of
salvation. Find appropriate scriptures with which to respond.
There will be times when questions arise for which you don’t have answers. Be
honest and admit that you don’t know how to respond. If the person gives you time,
suggest that you will find answers to their questions. Also, be careful that you don’t
become a Scripture “machine gun.” You don’t need to feel that everything you say is a
quote from Scripture. People are looking for genuine, concerned, loving individuals who
can carry on normal conversations without appearing to know everything and without
appearing to be overly religious.
2. Present the promises of acceptance, forgiveness, assurance, and eternal life.
When we accept Christ we are fully accepted and entirely forgiven. That’s what is
offered to the person who comes to Jesus. Show the person you are witnessing to the
scriptures that state the following truths. Write them out here, and, again, you may want
to note the references in your Bible.
a) Acceptance (Eph. 1:6)
b) Forgiveness (Eph. 1:7)
c)Assurance (2 Tim. 3:14; Phil. 1:6; 1 John 3:19)
d) Eternal life (Rom. 6:23; 1 John 2:25)
3. Invite the seeker to prayer as an action of faith in God’s promises. Show them that
they can come to God and ask Him for forgiveness and salvation. Again, note these
scriptures for reference.
a) Come (John 6:37)
b) Ask (John 16:24)
4. Help the person pray to receive Jesus. Below is a simple but to-the-point prayer
that you may want to keep handy, or memorize in your own words, to use when
necessary.
Father God, I accept Jesus as my Savior and ask Him to come into my heart. Forgive
me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank You that Jesus died on the
Cross to save me from sin. Take control of my life. I surrender it to You right now.
Afterward, show them the following scriptures by way of assurance of their new life.
What does a person become upon receiving Jesus? (2 Cor. 5:17)
What else does a person become upon receiving Jesus? (1 John 3:2)
We pass from what to what upon receiving Jesus? (1 John 3:14)
5. Affirm their obedience to God and say a prayer of thanksgiving:
Father God, thank You that _____________ (name) has surrendered his/her life to
You by inviting Jesus to take up residence within their heart. Thank You that he/she has
entered into eternal life and is now a child of God. We thank You that the blood of Jesus
cleanses us from sin. Father, we also thank You that the Scripture affirms that You will
work in us to bring us safely to heaven. May we be mindful of Your great grace and
willingness to help us in every detail of our lives. Let us never forget Your Word and the
assurance it brings to our hearts.
THEIR FIRST STEPS
New converts need to understand some important concepts and kingdom principles as
soon as possible. Here are several. In each case let the Word of God do the convincing.
We are called to share the Word, not force it on people.
• God will complete the work He started in us. (Phil. 1:6; 2:13)
• War is waging over the souls of men and women. (Luke 22:31; 1 Pet. 5:8; James 4:7;
Eph. 6:10–12)
• God’s Word provides protection, safety, and guidance. (Ps. 119:11, 105; Matt. 26:41)
• Christ’s body, the church, is a corporate group for safety, comfort, fellowship, prayer,
and sharing of burdens. (Gal. 6:2; Heb. 10:25; James 5:16)
New believers need to know that kingdom authority is available to them to be used
against sin and Satan. The power of God, however, must not be sought or used for any
reason other than the glorification of Jesus and the deliverance of people from bondage.
Look carefully at Acts 8:14–24 and 19:11–20 to see what happens when motives are
wrong.
FAITH ALIVE
Because of the price Jesus has paid to secure our release from sin, we are free from guilt and
condemnation and have access directly to the throne of God. Such liberty, when fully understood,
is the basis for a joy that is unspeakable.
Father in Heaven, I acknowledge the blood of Jesus that was poured out on Calvary to set me
free from sin. I thank You that sin no longer holds me in bondage and that because of my release
from it, I am also released from the power of Satan and his demons.
After the stoning of Stephen (Acts 6:8–7:60), the church in Jerusalem faced increased
persecution so severe that many Christians were scattered into Judea and Samaria. As the
believers fled they went everywhere evangelizing (euggelizomenoi), preaching the good
news about Jesus Christ (Acts 8:4). An example of this preaching is found in Philip’s “
power encounter” evangelism. (Acts 8:6–8.)
How would you explain the miracles which were manifested? (See Mark 16:17 and 1
Cor. 12:9.)
What was the purpose for the apostles in Jerusalem to send Peter and John to
Samaria?
What do you think Simon “saw” when the apostles laid their hands on the new
believers and prayed that they would “receive the Holy Spirit”?
What did the two apostles do in several Samaritan villages before returning to
Jerusalem? (Acts 8:25, euangelizonto)
Later, Philip obeyed the Lord and went south into the desert for a divine appointment
with the Ethiopian eunuch. After being supernaturally transported by the Spirit of the
Lord to the coastal city of Azotus, Philip continued to evangelize in all the cities on his
way to Caesarea, where he evidently relocated his family and home. Several years later
he was to host the apostle Paul in his home in Caesarea (Acts 21:8). There is no
indication that Philip continued any “mobile ministry.”
What occurred to cause Philip to leave the comfort of Jerusalem and proclaim Christ
to the Samaritans? (Acts 8:1–5)
2Hayford, J. W. 1997, c1995. Answering the Call to Evangelism : Spreading the Good
News to Everyone. Spirit-Filled Life Kingdom Dynamics Study Guides (Pages 55-69).
Thomas Nelson: Nashville
How can we use negative situations as occasions to positively preach or proclaim the
word of God concerning Christ?
What was the informational content of the “good news” Philip proclaimed? (Acts 8:6,
12, 35, 40.)
How did the demonstration of God’s power over disease and demons enhance the
effectiveness of his evangelistic presentations? (Acts 8:6–8, 13.)
Is this kind of “signs and wonders” evangelism effective today?
Philip was not only a “worker of miracles” but also a discipler. How did water
baptism fit into his efforts of discipleship? (Acts 8:12, 16, 36–38.)
KINGDOM EXTRA
Philip’s life and ministry reveal characteristics for today’s commission to make disciples for
the King of kings. Not only was Philip a dedicated layman and a bold proclaimer of the gospel,
he had the following traits:
• He was sensitive to God’s prompting (Acts 8:26–27).
• He was available for eternal purposes (Acts 8:27–28).
• He used initiative to guide the conversation to spiritual truth (Acts 8:29–31).
• He was tactful and remained inoffensive (Acts 8:32–34).
• The message of the Cross may offend some, but the messenger should not.
• He was precise (Acts 8:34–35). He preached Jesus, not religion. He taught the Scripture, not
opinions.
• He was decisive (Acts 8:36–39). Baptism is external evidence of inward work. It is a
significant step of discipleship.
THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST
The second place where the term evangelist is used in Scripture is 2 Timothy 4:5.
Here Paul urges Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus, to do several things. Among
them: the work of an evangelist. The meaning of this phrase is dependent upon one’s
understanding of what role or office Timothy held. If he were a traveling evangelist, this
admonition would seem inconsistent with Paul’s earlier urging to “remain still in
Ephesus.” If he were a young pastor, as is often suggested, then Paul might be urging him
to preach more evangelistically. If he were a bishop (an overseer), then he might be
wanting Timothy to provide an evangelistic example and stimulus to the pastors under
him.
However, in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians he seems to make it clear that whatever
else Timothy may have been, he was also an apostle. Paul greeted the church on behalf of
himself and “Silvanus and Timotheus” (1 Thess. 1:1), whom he later calls “apostles of
Christ” (1 Thess. 2:6). The word apostle means “sent one.” We know that there were
twelve apostles chosen and sent out by Christ. There are also many apostles specifically
named as having been chosen and sent out by local churches (Rom. 16:17; 1 Thess. 1:1;
2:6). We have already noted that disciples and apostles “evangelized,” but Timothy is told
to “do the work of an evangelist.” Paul did not say “go evangelize,” but rather to “do the
work of an evangelist.”
FAITH ALIVE
Instead of evangelizing others, many churches concentrate on entertaining themselves. Ralph
Neighbor estimates an average church spends over 300 hours a year equipping members for
Christian service inside the church walls (choir practices, committee meetings, services, and so
on). However, he says, “The average church does not provide as much as twelve hours a year to
equip Christians to witness for Christ outside the church walls!”1
THE OFFICE OF EVANGELIST
The “work of an evangelist” may best be understood by observing the object of the
office of evangelist, according to Ephesians 4:11 and 12, the third use of this word:
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some,
pastors and teachers; for [pros] the perfecting of the saints, for [eis] the work of the
ministry, for [eis] the edifying of the body of Christ.
The above is how the passage reads in the familiar King James version, with
important Greek prepositions noted in brackets. As James Kennedy, noted pastor and
leader in evangelism, explains, “Instead of the preposition ‘for’ being repeated three
times [in these verses], the Greek says pros, eis, and eis, which would be better rendered ‘
for,’ ‘unto,’ ‘unto.’ ”
AT A GLANCE: EPHESIANS 4:11 AND 12
Christ established certain leadership roles or offices “for” the purpose of perfecting
(equipping) the saints “unto” ministry.
The office The object of the office
Apostles To provide foundational strength and stability to the larger body of Christ.
Prophets To edify, exhort, and comfort the church
Evangelists To motivate the saints for the work of evangelism
Pastors To lead, feed, and protect the flock of God
Teachers To instruct the saints for spiritual growth and service
This familiar passage teaches that Christ established certain leadership roles or offices
“for” the purpose of “perfecting” or “equipping” the saints: 1) “unto” the work of
ministry (spiritual service), and 2) “unto” the upbuilding of the body of Christ.
This probably explains what Paul meant when he told Timothy to “do the work of an
evangelist.” He was to equip, train, and motivate the saints to “proclaim the Good News.”
What role in evangelism do all Christians share in common? (Acts 1:8)
What mutual ministry do all believers have? (2 Cor. 5:18)
What enables believers to serve the Lord and others in special ways? (See 1 Peter
4:10 and 1 Cor. 12:4–7)
BEHIND THE SCENES
Christ has placed certain saints into leadership roles to equip and enable the body to
accomplish His purposes in the world. The pastor personally witnesses, but publicly feeds the
saints. The teacher personally witnesses, but publicly instructs the saints. The evangelist
personally witnesses, possibly with greater conviction, confidence, and compulsion than others (1
Cor. 12:4–11), but publicly, within the body, he motivates the saints for evangelism. Rather than
being a competitor, the evangelist actually complements the ministry of the pastor. Indeed, some
feel every congregation should have someone who has the special ministry of motivating and
equipping believers for the work of evangelism.
EQUIPPING THE SAINTS
As we have already noted, a primary object of the evangelist is meant to be to the
saints. This is perhaps the greatest difference between the early church and today. Early
evangelists seem to have had a deep concern to train the saints to be witnesses.
Robert Schuller, well-known founder-pastor of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden
Grove, has said, “The first person added to our staff was the Minister of Evangelism. His
job description was and is today: ‘To recruit, train, and motivate laymen and laywomen to
be lay evangelists of the church.’ ”2 While there are many fine evangelical churches in
and around Garden Grove, Schuller and his fellow ministers and lay evangelists pray and
plan as if they were the only church to reach the hundreds of thousands of unchurched
people who live within fifteen minutes of their location. As a result, over 1,000
unchurched people are being won into a lively membership of this church each year.
Jesus said, “I will build My Church.” Upon His ascension to heaven, “He gave some
to be … evangelists … for the equipping of the saints [unto] the work of the ministry
[unto] the upbuilding of the body of Christ.” Leighton Ford reiterates this thought when
he says that “the evangelist is to evangelize and also to equip others to evangelize. As he
evangelizes, he communicates something of his own passion and ‘know-how’ to his co-
workers.”3
The professional evangelist undoubtedly has a place in God’s workings today. His
enthusiasm and example can stir the saint to revival and the sinner to repentance by his
prophetic utterances from the pulpit.
But the unfinished task of evangelizing the lost is still a fantasy unless we can
motivate and mobilize evangelists in every church to equip the saints of their church for
ministry to those outside the body who will never attend an evangelistic crusade, or read
the evangelist’s monthly magazine, or watch his television specials. It is not “either/or”
but “both/and.” The task is too great to leave to the relatively few “mobile ministries.”
BEHIND THE SCENES
Demographic strategists remind us that within our fifty states there are 224 major
metropolitan areas. Also, there are some 176,000 political precincts. Political parties know that if
they are to influence the electorate they must successfully “work the precincts” among the “grass
roots.”
FAITH ALIVE
George W. Peters believes that “as we mobilize the church in evangelism, we will soon
discover that a three-winged pattern will evolve. In general, we will find that some ten to fifteen
percent can be mobilized for active confrontational evangelism. An additional twenty to thirty
percent can be trained in friendship evangelism. The remainder must be trained in prayer
evangelism, prayer which undergirds the other two efforts. Thus the total church becomes
involved.”4
MULTIPLICATION
If a church were to motivate and mobilize just ten percent of its members for effective
evangelism, and if they won just one soul per year each, that congregation would double
in less than a decade. If those converts were nurtured and discipled and ten percent of
them joined the other “witnesses” in winning one soul to Christ per year, that church
would more than triple in twelve years!
What would happen for the Kingdom of God’s sake if hundreds of churches in major
metropolitan areas were to carefully consider those among them who were
evangelistically motivated and successful? And what if they were to encourage them in
their ministries and provide financially for them so they could give themselves to “equip
the saints unto the work of the ministry” of evangelism?
Or consider the possible effect of just one gifted man or woman accurately and
actively fulfilling the biblical role of evangelist (as suggested above) in each of the
176,000 political precincts across America. Can you begin to smell the fires of revival?
Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord
of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2). We are to
be either the laborers or the prayers!
We must remember that Christ is still giving evangelists to the church to equip the
saints (Eph. 4:11, 12). We must seek to recognize those evangelists and release them to
the ministry God has intended, that “all men should come to repentance.”
3Hayford, J. W. 1997, c1995. Answering the Call to Evangelism : Spreading the Good
News to Everyone. Spirit-Filled Life Kingdom Dynamics Study Guides (Pages 69-82).
Thomas Nelson: Nashville
The parable speaks of the potential for growth in the mustard seed. It is tiny. It is
almost “insignificant.” But later it can grow into a huge tree, where even birds can come
and find shelter. How does this happen? We don’t know. We don’t accomplish it. God
does. We are to plant, water, and cultivate it. God will give the increase. The kingdom
may grow slowly, secretly, but it will surely grow.
In verse 33, the parable speaks of the power of permeation. The woman mixes yeast
into the flour and before long it has affected the whole batch of dough. By itself it, too,
seemed insignificant and useless. Mixed with the right material, it transformed the “
measure” into a full meal!
FAITH ALIVE
Again, we must trust God to transform our “insignificant” efforts into something larger than
ourselves. We can barely imagine how God can multiply our small efforts. Consider the
following:
• A Sunday school teacher, a Mr. Kimball, in 1858 led a Chicago shoe clerk to Christ.
• The clerk, Dwight L. Moody, became an evangelist. In England in 1879, he awakened
evangelistic zeal in the heart of Frederick B. Meyer, pastor of a small church.
• F.B. Meyer, preaching on an American college campus, brought a student named J. Wilbur
Chapman to Christ.
• Chapman, engaged in YMCA work, employed a former baseball player, Billy Sunday, to do
evangelistic work.
• Billy Sunday held a revival in Charlotte, North Carolina. A group of local men were so
enthusiastic afterward that they planned another evangelistic campaign, bringing Mordecai Ham
to town to preach.
• During Ham’s revival, a young man named William Graham heard the gospel and yielded his
life to Christ.
• It may be that you are one of the tens of thousands who have been affected by the ministry of
Billy Graham!
Only eternity will reveal the tremendous impact of that one Sunday School teacher who
invested his life in the lives of others. The parable of the seed and the yeast challenges us to trust
God to transform our present insignificant efforts into something far-reaching later.
THE KINGDOM’S REJECTION
Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21 and Mark 11), the Sunday before His
crucifixion and resurrection, was a prophetic action which fulfilled the prophecy of
Zechariah 9:9. Because He was the prophetic “King,” His excited subjects paid homage
and sang “hosanna.” They praised him as the awaited Messiah by crying out Psalm
118:26: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” However, they overlooked
verses 22–23, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”
Jesus quoted this verse later (Matt. 21:42), when he told the parable of the wicked
vinedressers. At that time, it was obvious to the Pharisees that Jesus was speaking of
them, and they “sought to lay hands on Him,” but they hesitated because the multitude
perceived Him to be a prophet.
Jesus warned the religious rulers about rejecting Him by teaching three parables.
Some have called these the parables of rejection. Review the parables and summarize the
teaching below.
The two sons (Matt. 21:28–32)
The wicked husbandmen (21:33–41)
The marriage of the king’s son (22:1–14)
In rejecting Jesus they rejected the kingdom He offered. As a result, what is to happen
to “the kingdom of God”? (Matt. 21:43)
Who do you think the other “nation” is in Matthew 22:43, which will give God the
appropriate fruit He desires?
Is this a reference meaning that God will include Gentiles in His plan for gospel
globalization?
In the parable of the bridegroom (Matt. 22:1–14), what happened to the city whose
people rejected the wedding invitation? How does that predict the destruction of
Jerusalem?
THE KING’S CALL
The King concluded His earthly ministry by calling His disciples to extend His
Lordship to “all the nations” (Greek ethne). This “Great Commission” to world
evangelism is passed on to all disciples to the “end of the age.”
What contrasts and similarities can you find in the Great Commission, as given in
Matthew (28:18–20) and Mark (Mark 16:15–18, 20)?
The Matthew commission:
The Mark commission:
KINGDOM EXTRA
Since Matthew’s theme is Christ as King, it is unsurprising Jesus’ final commission to His
disciples reflects His global perspective. In teaching kingdom life and principles (“kingdom”
appears over fifty times in Matthew), Jesus leads His followers to think, live, and pray that His
kingdom come to our entire planet (6:10). In chapter 13, His parables illustrated the kingdom’s
global expansion (v. 33). As His disciples began to minister, He told them to preach everywhere: “
The kingdom of God is at hand.” Then, before His ascension, the King gave the Great
Commission. This climaxing command to go to all nations directed that their teaching and
preaching seek to bring all nations into His kingdom (28:18–20). Prophetically, He forecast that
the end would come only as “this gospel of the kingdom” was preached “in all the world as a
witness to all nations” (24:14). “Nations” (Greek ethne) means “people groupings”—today, about
22,000 on this globe.5
FAITH ALIVE
In your own words,
What do you think Jesus meant when He said “Follow Me”? Specifically, how is that to play
out in our lives on a daily basis?
What do you think it doesn’t mean? (The answer is a bit tricky!)
What has “following Jesus” meant to you? Has it been easy? Why or why not?
KINGDOM EXTRA
Jesus is not vague or indecisive about anything, especially when it comes to people’s
accepting or rejecting the Good News! But why does Jesus sometimes speak in such intense
terms, almost sounding angry, it seems? If God is love, why would He speak such sharp words?
His warnings are confrontive, but no less compassionate towards hearts hardened against
Him. If a three-year-old child plays in the street after being repeatedly instructed not to do so, a
parent’s response will most likely be expressed with a fair degree of intensity; but that doesn’t
contradict love—it verifies it.
In the following references, Jesus addresses the issue of resistance toward the gospel.
State in one or two sentences the underlying spiritual principle Jesus is teaching and what
action should be taken in response to those principles.
Luke 8:4
Luke 9:5
Luke 10:13–16
Luke 11:29
Luke 12:9
WORD WEALTH
4Hayford, J. W. 1997, c1995. Answering the Call to Evangelism : Spreading the Good
News to Everyone. Spirit-Filled Life Kingdom Dynamics Study Guides (Pages 82-94).
Thomas Nelson: Nashville
Follow, akoloutheo (ak-ol-oo-theh-oh); Strong’s #190. To accompany, to go along with, go
the same way with, follow one who precedes. A means in union or likeness with, and keluethos is
a road. Akoloutheo is being on the same roadway with someone. Since the word was used for
soldiers, servants, and pupils, it can easily be transferred to the life of the Christian, a disciple of
Christ. In seventy-eight occurrences in the Gospels, it is used seventy-seven times in connection
with following Christ. Metaphorically, it is used for discipleship.2
PROBING THE DEPTHS
What does the Scripture say in John 15:4–8 about union and likeness?
What can be expected when one abides “in the Vine”? (John 15:4–8)
How does this relate to world evangelism?
Consistently abiding in Christ provides a way for Christ’s life to flow into my life without
interruption. His life flowing into me provides all the “divine DNA” I need to produce all that He
is in daily living and empowers the possibility of His “likeness” being formed in me. That “
likeness” can only happen when I abide in Him. Otherwise, I’m merely producing human sweat
in trying to achieve the impossible. Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing.” John 3:6 states:
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
FAITH ALIVE
Is this command to “follow” and “abide” too much to ask? At what point do you, personally,
begin holding back from following Jesus more closely? In what areas of your life do you most
fear God “interfering” with your agenda?
Try this exercise: discuss your answers to the above questions with the Lord, out loud, in the
car or in some secluded place. Explain to God why you feel (if, in fact, you do) something
horrible will happen if you give Him complete control of your life. Maybe it’s an unreasonable
fear. Confess it to Him. If appropriate, laugh with God about how ridiculous it is. Confess any sin
or unbelief, and ask Him to infuse you with new faith, strength, vision, hope—whatever it is you
need to overcome such obstacles.
How might fulfilling the above exercise have an impact on personal evangelism?
KINGDOM EXTRA
The people of Sri Lanka worship millions of gods. The spiritual darkness in that country is
severe. How could the Gospel possibly reach people so blind and bound? Ask local pastor Leslie
Keegel. Not long ago he met a man who typified the kind of bondage much of that society
wrestles with. The man was a dwarf who was also mute and deaf and who suffered from sudden
attacks of insanity. By anyone’s standard, that is certainly suffocating darkness! Leslie prayed for
this young Buddhist, and a number of demons were cast out of him. The man was immediately
freed from insanity! His hearing was restored, and, within three days, he began speaking! And not
only that, but hundreds of people with whom he’d lived witnessed his sudden growth from four
feet tall to five-foot-five (the average height of a Sri Lankan male!)
Taking this formerly disabled young man under his wing, Leslie began training him in the
ways of the Lord. As a result, he was filled with the Holy Spirit, began telling others of the
miraculous power and love of Jesus Christ, and today, this beloved brother is a church pastor! “
The darkness could not extinguish the light!”
Evangelism—it’s not just words. It is Good News accompanied with love, power, and
righteousness, resulting in changed lives which, in turn, continue to change lives! Could
anything be more fulfilling than seeing people’s lives turned around so they not only live
for Jesus, but in time, bring others to Christ as well? The joy of being a part of such a
wonderful witness, accompanied by God’s power, transcends the thrill of other
endeavors.
Now that you’ve studied this subject, without dwelling on the word too long, what
picture comes to mind when you think about “evangelism” now.
Lesson 8—Evangelism According to John
The writer of the Gospel of John is often referred to as “Saint John the Evangelist.”
This is not because he was the only instrument of salvation or evangelism in the New
Testament. It is more likely because he gives a very clear and easily understood gospel
presentation.
Evangelistic ministries worldwide have traditionally given new or prospective
converts a copy of the Gospel of John. John shows plainly who Jesus is and why He came
to earth. John tells us plainly that Jesus came to earth to live that we might be saved from
our sin and be reconciled to God. John tells the story of Jesus’ life and how we may gain
eternal life through His name.
THE GOSPEL’S PURPOSE
Near the end of his Gospel, John gives us his reason for writing this intimate account
of the life of Christ. Read John 20:31 and write John’s stated purpose below.
This statement makes it clear that the gospel is recorded with an evangelistic intent.
John longed for the world to know Jesus as he did and to experience saving grace. If the
church today could match the zeal and love of John the Apostle for his Savior, the world
would indeed “know us by our love,” and people would come much closer to what Jesus
intended.
BEHIND THE SCENES
All the Gospels record how much John loved Jesus, and how devoted he was to the Lord’s
work. John was also privileged to be placed with Paul and Luke as one of the three most prolific
writers of the New Testament. Name the other four New Testament books written by the Apostle
John:
1.
2.
3.
4.
To be “born again” (John 3:3) refers to the specific life-changing experience of being
made into a new person by the power of the Holy Spirit, who literally comes to live
within one who becomes a believer in Jesus Christ. John’s Gospel is the only place in the
Bible where the “born again” requirement for salvation is so clearly established. Write
out Jesus’ words in John 3:3:
“Again,” He says in John 3:5:
This same theme is substantiated in Paul’s letter to the Romans:
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.
Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you,
the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the
Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from
the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you (
Rom. 8:9–11).
There is no mincing of words here. The gospel message is unashamedly clear: Either
you are born again by the Spirit of God or you do not belong to Christ and not in God’s
kingdom.
KINGDOM EXTRA
Upon repentance, a new order of life opens to the believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus used the
figure of “new birth” to dramatically indicate three things: 1) Without New Birth, there is no life
and no relationship with God (14:6). 2) In New Birth, new perspective comes as we “see the
kingdom of God” (3:3). God’s Word becomes clear, and the Holy Spirit’s works and wonders are
believed and experienced—faith is alive. 3) Through New Birth we are introduced—literally we “
enter” (v. 5)—to a new realm, where God’s new kingdom order can be realized (2 Cor. 5:17).
New Birth is more than simply being “saved.” It is a requalifying experience, opening up the
possibilities of our whole being to the supernatural dimension of life and fitting us for a
beginning in God’s kingdom order.1
The gospel is further explained to be a gift of love from the Father who sent His only
Son, Jesus, to be “lifted up” (crucified) for all of mankind’s sin (John 3:14; 12:32). The
most quoted verse in the Bible, John 3:16, says, “For God so loved the world that He
gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have
everlasting life.”
This great demonstration of the love of God for those He created is the crux (Latin for
cross) of the gospel. The gospel is indeed a gospel of love, yet it is seen as meaningless
by a world that does not turn and embrace such love.
FAITH ALIVE
Have you been born again? If not, and if you believe what you’ve just read, stop now and ask
God to forgive you for your sins and send the Holy Spirit to live in you. He wants to do this more
than you want Him to! He will do exactly what He says in the Bible. He will come and make you
a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17). You will begin to see Him active in your life, blessing you, and
helping you.
If you have done this, you have begun a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of
God! Praise God for His wonderful salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord!
If you have done this, or if you’ve been born again for some time, write a short description of
how it happened.
JOHN’S WITNESS
Long before we get to Jesus’ remarkable words of “good news” in John 3 (“gospel”
means good news), the apostle tells us about the ministry of one of the greatest
evangelists in history, John the Baptist. This unusual man was a powerful instrument of
the Lord’s. “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a
witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that
Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light” (John 1:6–8).
WORD WEALTH
Bear witness, martureo (mar-too-reh-o). To be a witness, to bear witness, i.e., to affirm that
one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because of being taught by
divine revelation or inspiration; to give (not to keep back) testimony; to utter honorable
testimony, give a good report; conjure, implore. Clearly “bearing witness” is evangelization in its
purest, most familiar—and most effective—form. John the Baptist was indeed sharing what he
had been “taught by divine revelation.” He was testifying to what God had sovereignly shown
him. In addition to being anointed as a prophet of God, he was an evangelist in every respect. He
brought the good news to those who would hear, and many responded in repentance and baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.
John the Baptist made some important declarations about Jesus. Look these verses up
and write them out after their references.
John 1:30
John 1:26, 27
John 1:29
John 1:34
Surely this is evangelism at its highest and best. How can we ever evangelize the lost
and needy if we do not tell them who Jesus is and introduce them to Him?
In reaching to the lost, we may find ourselves having to establish who Jesus is from
the Bible. People may ask honest questions about Jesus, and John has given us a
definitive answer. Jesus is God.
The apostle begins his Gospel with strong and definitive theological statements. What
is his main point about Jesus in each of the following verses?
John 1:1–2
v. 3
v. 4
v. 14
The first chapter of John’s Gospel is one of the most decisive passages in Scripture
declaring the essential truth that Jesus Christ is God. Cults have tried to change it or
water it down because of its clarity and directness, but still it remains unquestionably
clear.
FAITH ALIVE
Let’s look more closely at Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. There are ideas
here that will profit us as we reach out to others with the gospel.
1) Nicodemus came to Jesus. He was hungry for the truth. Let us not push the salvation
message “down the throats” of those who are not yet ready to hear it. Rather, we should pray for
opportunities to “bear witness” and then wait on the Holy Spirit to lead us into the situations He
directs. Then we will have His anointing and blessing on our witness.
2) Jesus was not distracted by flattery or misdirection. Nicodemus asked “all around” the
topic he was really interested in. But Jesus discerned his soul’s need and answered his heart’s
question, rather than that of his words. If we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and try to
sense what folks are really saying, we can answer their questions.
3) Jesus quickly got the point. He spoke directly and to the man’s need. We may be inclined
to “beat about the bush.” Probably the Holy Spirit will lead us to a gentle approach, but we must
remember that Jesus is the Bread of Life and not be hesitant to speak about His satisfying power
with a hungry soul.
JOHN’S WRITINGS
John also documents some of the most profound words of Jesus, words which none of
the synoptic writers recorded. Several of Jesus’ statements in John’s Gospel substantiate
His divinity as no other words in the Bible. Look at the following verses and write the
words of Jesus which best show that He is the Son of God and the Savior.
John 6:27–29
John 6:38–40
John 8:58
John 9:35–38
John 10:28–38
John 11:25–26
John 12:46–50
WORD WEALTH
Savior, soter (so-tare); Strong’s #4990. Compare “soteriology,” the doctrine of salvation.
From the same root as sodzo, “to save,” and soteria, “salvation.” The word designates a deliverer,
preserver, savior, benefactor, rescuer. It is used to describe both God the Father and Jesus the Son.
2
The verses above are fundamental in witnessing as to who our Lord is and what His
purpose was in coming to earth. Our sharing with people should include: 1) telling them
who Jesus is, 2) telling them He came to save us from the penalty of our sin, and 3)
showing them that they can receive His great gift of salvation.
John also shows us what God the Father is like by showing us what Jesus His Son
was like when He walked among men. We read Jesus’ words to Philip, who asked Him, “
Show us the Father.” Jesus responded by saying, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the
Father” (14:9). So, with Philip, when we look at what Jesus was like, how He treated
people, and who He chose to spend His time with, we see an image of Father God. Jesus
is Immanuel, “God with us,” for us to see and experience what God our heavenly Father
is like.
When we see Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons, or when we see Him
reach out with compassion to the hurting or to comfort a helpless child, or when we see
Him angry at sin yet speak forgiveness, we see what Father God is like.
God sent Jesus to be a revelation of Himself to us, to show us who He is and what He
is like. He did this because He loves us. He loves us so much that He sent His beloved
Son to suffer and die for our salvation. Surely God, our heavenly Father, is the greatest
Evangelist of all!
JOHN’S PRIORITY
Another evangelism-related topic relates to the necessity of walking in the Spirit and
thus being “linked” to Christ and the power we have in Him. In John 15:4–8, we read:
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in
the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He
who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If
anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather
them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My
words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this
My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
The tendency here is to identify the “fruit” in this passage with converts for the
kingdom of God. But the real fruit is a “connected” life, the life of one who is “abiding in
the Vine.” And of course, if we abide in Christ, we will become more like Him and
radiate more of His love to others.
God’s love always has been the major attraction to Jesus. It is what drew men to Him
when He walked the earth 2000 years ago. When people saw how He loved, they could
not resist coming to Him and receiving what He had to offer. And the things He offered
them were from His vast storehouse of love. The people who came to Him inevitably
received gifts of healing, deliverance, and salvation. If we become more like Christ, we
will naturally bring others into His presence and see them healed, delivered, and saved.
The word “abide” means “to live in” or “to remain in.” So, one might ask, how do we
live or remain “connected” to Jesus, the Source of love and power? According to John
15:1–17, what is Jesus’ answer to this question?
Though Jesus calls us to obedience, it may seem impossible because we are still clay
vessels and sinful. But Jesus made obedience easier than it would seem when He summed
the commandments up with, “Love God and one another.” When Jesus said this, He was
not asking us to feel like loving, but to love.
PROBING THE DEPTHS
The Bible’s definition of love is not the same as the world’s. Yet it is the world’s description
of love that people see most. It has to do primarily with sexual attraction and the acting out of
immorality. As far as one can tell, that is all there is to love.
Love in the Bible is pictured as a commitment; a decision one makes to be committed to
another person, whether in marriage or in friendship. Love is the result of one person deciding to
love another by his or her actions. When a man washes the dishes for his wife, he is loving her.
When a man mows his neighbor’s lawn when he is on vacation, he is loving his neighbor. The
result of this love can be warm, affectionate feelings for one another, but the feelings follow the
act of love.
Jesus calls us to this kind of love. He even said that when we keep His commands, we are, in
fact, loving Him!
In his first epistle, John said some of the same things that we have seen in his Gospel.
What are three themes you see in 1 John 2:6–10 that are in common with the verses we
have been discussing?
GRACE RELEASED
Jesus is looking for people who will abide in His presence, be obedient to His Word,
and love one another. Obeying His commands and loving each other are one and the same
thing; if we love, we are being obedient. And if we are obedient, we are loving Him.
People who love are the ones the Lord uses to accomplish His evangelistic purposes in
the earth. He wants to release gifts of grace through each and every one of His disciples,
so the world will see our love—for each other and for them—and come to Him. John
makes this clear throughout his gospel, “By this all will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). And he continues in his epistles to preach
this same message he learned from Jesus, “For this is the message that you heard from
the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 3:11).
PROBING THE DEPTHS
For John, Jesus’ humanity meant essentially a twofold mission: 1) As the “Lamb of God” (
1:29), He procured the redemption of mankind; 2) Through His life and ministry He revealed the
Father. Christ consistently pointed beyond Himself to the Father who had sent Him and whom He
sought to glorify. In fact, the very miracles Jesus performed, which John characterized as “signs,”
bore testimony to the divine mission of the Son of God. As the Son glorified the Father in
ministry and passion, so the Father glorified the Son. But, as John shows, the Son’s glorification
came at the Crucifixion (12:32, 33), not only in the postresurrection exaltation. By believing that
Jesus is the Christ, the readers of John’s gospel become participants in the life Jesus brought out
of death (20:31).3
If Jesus dwells in us as born again believers, then His works in and through us will
also testify of Him to the world. If we walk in the power of the Spirit and allow Him to
do the works He desires to do, these works will testify of His grace, love, and power to
the world. It is for this purpose we are commissioned by Christ and empowered by His
Spirit:
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you
” (John 20:21).
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall
be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth
(Acts 1:8).
The disciples had had three and a half years of face-to-face following, watching,
listening, learning, and doing in order to be sent in like manner. Christians had been
discipled; now they were being sent into a mission field to be witnesses and to make
more disciples.
WORD WEALTH
Sent, apostello (ap-os-tel-low); Strong’s #649. To commission, set apart for a special service,
send a message by someone, send out with a mission to fulfill, equip and dispatch one with the
full backing and authority of the sender.4
Jesus’ words in John 20:21 (above) were a summons for the disciples to bring their
personal agendas into alignment with God’s purposes. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent
Me, I also send you.” The message could be paraphrased: “As I modeled obedience to the
Father, always doing what He said, so you do that now in your going forth, rendering
obedience to Me.”
KINGDOM EXTRA
John’s Gospel presents the deity of Jesus—the Son of God. As God He has created all things (
1:1–3), and as God He has come to redeem all—to bring the fullness of forgiveness. This aspect
of His mission is conveyed to His disciples as their commission as well: Go with forgiveness. It is
stated here as both a mandate and a mission: 1) “I also send you.” Precisely as the Father sent the
Son to bring salvation as an availability to every human being (3:16), so we are sent to insure that
availability is understood by everyone. 2) “If you forgive” indicates the conditional nature of His
provision. It cannot be responded to unless it is delivered. There is no escape from the awesome
nature of His terminology here. We are not only sent with the substance of the message—
salvation; we are sent to bring the spirit of its truth—forgiveness. Only the breath of His Spirit,
which He breathed upon those who first heard these words, can enable us to go obediently and to
reach lovingly. The message (salvation) and its meaning (forgiveness) are ours to deliver, and we
need to receive the Holy Spirit to do both.5
6Hayford, J. W. 1997, c1995. Answering the Call to Evangelism : Spreading the Good
News to Everyone. Spirit-Filled Life Kingdom Dynamics Study Guides (Pages 130-154).
Thomas Nelson: Nashville
Many people are won to Christ through the example of the sacrificial service and the
praise of God’s people. Deliverance, healing, and spiritual refreshing can be released
when God’s people praise and worship Him.
David declared that praise will bring the presence of God into our situations: “You are
holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel” (Ps. 22:3). End-time worshipers should expect
evangelism to take place in the environment of genuine praise. Exalt Jesus and expect a
harvest!
KINGDOM EXTRA
Jack Hayford, author of many choruses and worship songs, including the modern classic “
Majesty,” has said: “Few principles are more essential to our understanding than this one: the
presence of God’s kingdom power is directly related to the practice of God’s praise. The verb ‘
enthroned’ indicates that whenever God’s people exalt His name, He is ready to manifest His
kingdom’s power in the way most appropriate to the situation, as His rule is invited to invade our
setting.
“It is this fact that properly leads many to conclude that in a very real way, praise prepares a
specific and present place for God among His people. Some have chosen the term ‘establish His
throne’ to describe this ‘enthroning’ of God in our midst by our worshiping and praising
welcome. God awaits the prayerful and praise-filled worship of His people as an entry point for
His kingdom to ‘come’—to enter, that His ‘will be done’ in human circumstances (see Luke
11:2–4; Ps. 93:2). We do not manipulate God, but align ourselves with the great kingdom truth:
His is the power, ours is the privilege (and responsibility) to welcome Him into our world—our
private, present world or the circumstances of our society.”8
END-TIME EVANGELISM AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE
An important lesson on evangelism and spiritual warfare is taught in the Mark 9
account of Jesus’ healing a boy who suffered from seizures. The symptoms indicated the
sickness was serious, but the basic problem was an evil spirit which controlled his body.
How long had the boy had the physical symptoms mentioned in Mark 9:17–20?
How do we know this boy was harassed by an evil spirit? (See vv. 17, 18, 20, 25, 29.)
It seems that is not uncommon for manifestations of demonic influence in human
bodies to overlap the symptoms of certain mental, emotional, or physical disorders.
Whatever the symptom, Jesus looked past it to the source and brought deliverance and
healing.
KINGDOM EXTRA
In Mark 9:29 Jesus explained why the disciples’ prayers had been fruitless in seeing the boy
healed: “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
His explanation teaches: 1) some (not all) affliction is demonically imposed; and 2) some
kinds of demonic bondage do not respond to exorcism, but only to fervent prayer. Continuance in
prayer, accompanied by praise and sometimes fasting, provides a climate for faith that brings
deliverance.9
PROBING THE DEPTHS
Many lessons can be learned about deliverance from the devil and his demons by focusing on
the ministry of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark.
• Expelling demons was a normal part of Jesus’ ministry. (Mark 1:32–34, 39)
• Jesus cast out demons with authority! (Mark 1:21–27)
• Jesus spoke to demons as personalities, not abstract forces of superstitions. (Mark 5:6–13)
• Often exorcism was accomplished with unpleasant physical manifestations. (Mark 9:20, 25–26)
• Jesus gave his disciples authority to demonstrate the devil’s defeat by casting out demons in
His Name. (Mark 6:7, 12–13; 16:15–18)
End-time evangelism will be enhanced as we teach and train believers about spiritual
warfare. They must learn practical steps of discipleship and deliverance from the Evil
One (Matt. 6:13). Many have been strengthened by following these three steps: 1)
Confess Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior; 2) Cancel any demonic curse, control, or
contact by repenting of any occult or spiritualistic practices or paraphernalia; and 3)
Command Satan and his demons to depart forever from your life, family, home, and
possessions.
END-TIME EVANGELISM AND THE KINGDOM
Evangelism in the end times will increasingly be done by those who learn to partner
in spiritual warfare with Christ’s ongoing victory on the Cross. Those who would receive
and spread the good news of life, health, and deliverance that Jesus did (Luke 4:18) will
be those who come to perceive His purpose for them and participate in the present work
of His Kingdom. This “kingdom mentality” is not superficial nor argumentative. It is
powerful and authoritative. It is dynamic without being “pushy.”
Evangelism will be effective when believers perceive the truth of God’s kingdom and
function daily under the authority of the King who is “not willing than any should perish
but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).
How is the timing of the Lord’s return related to the condition and activity of the
church? (2 Pet. 3:12; Matt. 24:14; Acts 3:19–21.)
PROBING THE DEPTHS
John’s prophecy in Revelation 12 [relates to]: 1) the ongoing warfare on Earth (v. 9); 2) the
overcoming ability of the redeemed because “the kingdom” has come (v. 10); 3) the two-edged
truth that their victories often cost martyrdom (v. 11); and 4) the basis of their triumph: the Cross
(“the blood of the Lamb”) and the authority of God’s Word (“the word of their testimony”—v.
12).
Various interpretive systems see this at different times within redemptive history. The mixture
of pre-, a-, and postmillennial viewpoints has often fragmented the church, rather than providing
a common base of wisdom for each group to receive while embracing one another as, presently,
we all face a common Adversary (v. 9). Seeing that no complete interpretive scheme will be
verified until after Christ comes, our wisdom is to embrace the Cross as our salvation and our
source of overcoming victory. Then we can enter the conflict in confidence, knowing we shall
triumph even though circumstances temporarily set us back. In the time of conflict, it will make
no difference who was “right,” but only that we were on the Messiah’s side in this agelong
spiritual struggle.10
We must be careful not to develop a mean-spirited intolerance toward those who are
not of the household of faith. This unloving approach to the nonbelieving community
gives credence to the Antichrist spirit that is present in our end-times culture. It creates a
backlash that sweeps away the potential for evangelism and spiritual reconciliation.
CONCLUSION
Rather than surrender to the “spirit of this age,” Pastor Jack Hayford has suggested
that the church rise in faith and obedience as Abraham’s seed (Gen 12:3; Rom. 4:16–17)
to determine the destiny of nations. He says:
“It is neither pretentious nor arrogant to propose both: (1) the future of America is
seriously imperiled, but salvageable; (2) the people whose faith and action are rooted in
God’s call and promise are the sole instruments who can introduce this salvation. There
are ten steps I see—ours to take in faith and obedience, or to neglect … in surrender to
futility.
1. Believe the Promise—(2 Chron. 7:14 and 15)
The beginning point is to decide that the power of prayer is potentially effective to
bring a saving turnaround, and that such prayer is underwritten by the Almighty Himself.
2. Love the Body (Rom. 12:3)
Mutual respect and acceptance among all God’s redeemed is essential. But this
requires an end to suspicion, criticism, judgmentalism, and separatism.
3. Bless Your Enemies (Matt. 5:44)
The stance toward those opposed to our best interest as a people must be changed
from one of snobbish and condescending anger to a posture of releasing, intercessory
blessing.
4. Pursue Peace (Ps. 34:14; 1 Pet. 3:11)
The embracing of every ethnic group is required by the mandate of the Creator, who “
has made from one blood every nation of men.” Transethnic reconciliation is God’s order.
5. Live in Purity (Phil. 2:14–15)
The Word of God, lived out by the early church, showed that the way to assert moral
superiority in a corrupt culture is to shine by example, not shoot as an adversary.
6. Value Life (Prov. 31:8)
The issues of abortion and euthanasia are not political ones, but morally decisive
ones. Our commitment to life is born of a respect for the Creator’s world.
7. Invade Violence (Matt. 11:12)
The living church is not an institution, but an incarnation of Jesus Christ—His body,
called to enter Hell’s terrain, not run from its intrusions, reaching with life and love.
8. Serve the Needy (Matt. 5:16)
The ministry of the gospel involves compassion for the social need of humankind, as
well as man’s spiritual need. Good works create a platform for truth to be listened to.
9. Preserve Liberty (Rom. 13:1–7; 1 Tim. 2:1–4)
Responsible exercise of our privilege as free citizens and faithful attention to our
responsibilities as believing intercessors are tools to employ.
10. Demonstrate, Declare, and Dispense the Gospel (Rom. 5:20)
As living evidences of the resurrected Savior (demonstrating Him), let us be giving
people—who present the truth with winsomeness and power, as the Holy Spirit fills us
for the task.”11
7
7Hayford, J. W. 1997, c1995. Answering the Call to Evangelism : Spreading the Good
News to Everyone. Spirit-Filled Life Kingdom Dynamics Study Guides (Pages 154-160).
Thomas Nelson: Nashville